Beating the Hell Out of Cancer and Chugging Through Rehab

The last few days have been, well, physically challenging. Your pal WunderGlo has had to dig deep and find her ultimate strength of mind, body, and spirit as she's been taxed physically an incredible amount.

From daily shots, the taking of blood, and vital signs being checked -- the easy stuff -- to four straight days of chemo in which the drugs were infused over a six hour period while I alternated lying on my sides every half hour, to dealing with an NG tube that will not be going away anytime soon, to dealing with literal valves sticking out of my abdomen that catch the excess chemo as it's filtered through my body. (These valves are not made of velvet; they are made of plastic and metal.)

I also have a catheter (of course) and some other tubes that I'm not even sure about, but I do know they exist. I came out of surgery with thirteen tubes in my body, including a massive "central line" in my neck which served as a feeding tube. As of tonight, I have three fewer tubes and the line in my neck is gone. My portacath has now been accessed, and that's where I'm receiving my nutrition.

I've rested fitfully throughout these days, although I have gotten good rest at times thanks to my Dad and his world class massages and thanks to my Mom and her ability to scratch my back and my backside when I need them furiously scratched. It's hard not to get sweaty and uncomfortable in this hospital bed, especially when I've only gotten out of bed five times in the last five days.

So things have been a bit challenging. But chemo is over now and I'm draining it out of my system, another tube is out and more will be removed as the days progress, and your pal WunderGlo will continue to battle and get back to full strength.

I've enjoyed reiki sessions for the last two days (free of charge and offered by the hospital). I've enjoyed meeting with spiritual leaders during this time as well; praying to my Creator has given me peace and calm. I've enjoyed emailing, chatting on the phone, and hanging out with family and friends. I look forward to seeing even more friends come into town and getting an acupuncture session from Mary Ellen later this week.

All in all, this hospital experience has been a triumphant one. I have thoroughly squashed cancer, and the rest is really getting back up to snuff, killing the babies' babies' babies of the cancer cells, and planning all of my victory parties.

Thank you all for your support, your love, and your encouragement. I'll be checking in with you as soon as possible (which, as you know, means tomorrow).

Much love from WunderGlo.